Megan Reinking's "Say You Mean It" is a poignant exploration of emotional turmoil, self-discovery, and the unexpected connections that can lead us toward healing. Set against the backdrop of a tranquil yet isolated lake island near the Minnesotan-Canadian border, the story follows Blair Williams, a city girl grappling with high-functioning depression and a persistent sense of low self-worth. Her reluctance to partake in her law firm's retreat unfolds a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of place in their own life. Blair's internal struggle is beautifully crafted, allowing readers to empathize with her plight as she attempts to navigate the expectations of her colleagues while hiding her true self behind a façade of professionalism. The serene setting of the Ruby Lodge, owned by the equally complex character Graham Peterson, serves as the perfect counterpoint to Blair's chaotic inner world. Graham, too, carries his burdens—juggling the responsibilities of running a struggling family business while caring for his mother suffering from Alzheimer's. This parallel between Blair and Graham's lives creates a rich tapestry of shared experiences that pave the way for their burgeoning friendship. Reinking's keen attention to character development allows for a genuine connection to blossom between Blair and Graham, rooted in mutual support and understanding. The retreat serves as a catalyst for transformation, hinting at the healing power of nature and companionship. As they engage in various team-building activities, the gradual shift in Blair becomes palpable. Readers witness her opening up to new possibilities as she learns to embrace vulnerability—a theme that resonates deeply in a world that often celebrates the façade of perfection. The narrative takes a compelling turn when Graham reaches out to Blair weeks after the retreat, seeking legal advice. This moment underscores the impact they have had on each other’s lives and sets the stage for Blair's return to the island. The author skillfully raises questions about choice and the allure of a life that feels more authentic. Will Blair choose to return to her previous existence, characterized by a sense of emptiness, or will she embrace the potential for a new life filled with hope and connection? "Say You Mean It" is not just a story about overcoming personal challenges; it is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and the courage to express one's true feelings. Reinking crafts a narrative that encourages readers to confront their own emotional struggles while also emphasizing the value of reaching out for help. In conclusion, "Say You Mean It" is a beautifully written exploration of the complexities of mental health and the transformative power of friendship. Megan Reinking's engaging prose and rich character development make this novel a compelling read for anyone seeking a story that resonates on both personal and emotional levels. For those navigating their own challenges, Blair’s journey serves as a beacon of hope—a testament to the fact that, sometimes, all it takes is a moment of vulnerability to change everything.

This was a feel-good, dual POV, small island town kissing only romance between the man who runs a hunting/sports lodge and a clinically depressed lawyer who falls in love with him and his island while staying there for a work retreat. Megan Reinkling was a new to me indie author and I thought this was a solid book. Light on the steam but big on the emotional depth, this story explores high-functioning depression and the challenges of a having a parent with Alzheimer's. Just okay as an audiobook for me since there was only one narrator and I didn't love the way she voiced the male lead's parts. Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of authors like Madison Wright.

3.5* read

This was a solid read for me! As a big mental health advocate myself, I thoroughly appreciated & enjoyed the mental health rep in this book. Blair’s struggles were relatable, and I just really enjoyed reading about a character that feels real. Her character was raw, and her struggles with depression were portrayed in a very honest way. Blair made me feel seen. Also, Graham was so sweet. He made me happy and so did his & Blair’s romance 🥹 Their relationship was pure and heartwarming, and I liked that their romance was a slow burn. It was also nice to read a love story that featured important topics like healing and self-discovery.

Still, even though I liked this book and especially loved its mental health rep, I wasn’t completely obsessed & it didn’t fully hit the mark for me. I also found myself wanting at least a bit of spice, but this was a closed door romance (which, generally speaking, aren’t my absolute favorite).

Overall, this book was a solid, enjoyable read!

“I love you,” I whisper, finally ready to say it back. Because I know what I deserve now. What I’m worth. Because in order to love him, I needed to love myself wholly first . I needed to put my heart back together before ever being able to give it to him. Now that I’m at this place, I can finally recognize that what’s between us is, in fact, love. A sweet, steady, consuming kind of love.

Megan Reinking is a new-to-me author, and I am so grateful that I signed up for the opportunity to read her newest book Say You Mean It. It follows the story of Blair and Graham.

I loved the dedication of this book.

For anyone struggling to quiet a harsh inner voice. I see you.

Say You Mean It was everything I never knew I needed and more. I lost myself in Blair and Graham's story and thought it was beautifully written.

I resonated a lot with Blair, her anxiety and depression, the ever-lurking negative voices in her head, and the self-doubt she experienced on such a personal level, and I felt seen. I loved seeing Blair find herself at Ruby Lodge and finally choose herself. It made my heart happy to see Blair realise her worth all while falling in love.

I loved Graham! He was the perfect book boyfriend. Even though he faced struggles with his family and business, he still supported Blair and made her feel safe. I loved all the little things he did for Blair that reminded her that she matters.

Everyone deserves to have their own Graham in their life.

I loved everything about this book!

Thank you so much to Megan Reinking and NetGalley for this ARC 💙

⚠️ * 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴! * ⚠️

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴.
𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book, but copy i recieved was not readable. I reached out to author and she sent me a different copy but i also had issues with that copy as well. So i was not able to read the book. I was looking forward to it very much. Im going to rate this based on my hopes for the book!

This was cute. I loved the cozy fall vibes and I think I'm going to reread it for my fall readathon!

I loved the mental health rep & the finding your happiness part of the plot. Graham was so sweet and the perfect match for Blair. This was such a good comfort read, heartwarming self discovery and the romance was so sweet and realistic.

It took me a while to get caught in the feels, but now my mind doesn't want to get out of the Takini Island! I was very much invested in seeing how Blair and Graham's romance will unfold; it was delicately beautiful ✨

This is a really cute rom com. Perfect for the fall! Highly recommend it when you need a cozy, closed door romance.

The ultimate golden retriever, Graham, has stolen my heart! I really enjoyed this book so much and thought the side characters were also so much fun to read.

This was my first book by this author and won’t be my last.

Thank you to @netgalley & the author for this arc.

I seriously loved this story! I dont think Ive ever read a story that mirrored so much of my own tough thoughts as this one did. I felt so seen and warm while reading and its everything I needed in that moment. This will definitely be a reread over and over for me!

This was a beautiful story. The setting of the book was wonderful. The author did a great job of getting across what it is like to live was depression. I loved our main characters, they were a great fit.

f you need a warm hug in the form of a book, then this is the book for you! The way Blair’s struggle with depression is portrayed was really touching and emotional. Graham is just a big cinnamon roll who has taken on the role of running his family’s lodge. He’s got a lot on his plate but he’s just so sweet to Blair and becomes such a safe place for her to open up about her struggles. The setting of this book was beautiful, an island on a lake in Northern MN. One of my favorite places. Everything was described and portrayed so perfectly, I didn’t want to leave! Loved this book, and know it will be one I’ll reread in the future when I want to escape to MN

This was a cosy small town read with a lot of depth within - I really enjoyed Blair and Graham, the chemistry was there from their very first meeting. I had a lot of fun with this one.

I really wanted to love this, I adore the cover (it’s gorgeous) BUT i felt like for a shorter book, it felt like a 800 page book.

I felt the overall arc of the book was just rather sad. I felt depressed by the end - there was a HEA but i still felt really depressed about the entire thing. Very little happened. It took almost 80% of the book for Graham and Blair to really even romantically admit to the reader or each other. i like a slow burn but there has to be angst and tension built and there was nothing.

This is also another romance novel that feels more women’s fiction and self realization with the tiniest sprinkle of romance. Even with that growth in Blair i felt her character was really really surface level. I didn’t relate to her - as someone with depression and anxiety you would think i would but it was a struggle.

It will definitely be a book i will not remember after my next read.

What a sweet book. The FMC deals with depression and her fight with those symptoms and negative self-talk feels genuine and hard.

Blair attends a work retreat on an island in Minnesota where she meets Graham, the owner of Ruby Lodge. They form a friendship that develops through the book and leaves you swooning.

I loved their story and can't wait to read more by Megan Reinking.

5 STARS

(Thank you NETGALLEY for giving me this free e-book read in return for an honest review)

This book is so freaking ADORABLE 🥹🥹
Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine trope with a GREAT mental health rep MC. I am in love. I feel so
Much for the FMC. I think depression takes place in people in certain ways and I can relate to our girl here. This is a story about hope, love, and finding yourself in the dark. It’s heartwarming🫶

If you’re looking for smut, you won’t find it here, only a slow-burn, closed-door romance hehe

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡
ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
sᴀʏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴇᴀɴ ɪᴛ
ᴍᴇɢᴀɴ ʀᴇɪɴᴋɪɴɢ
3.5/5 ⭐️
🌶️

♡ sᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ♡
♡ ʜᴇ ғᴀʟʟs ғɪʀsᴛ ♡
♡ ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ ʀᴇᴘ ♡
♡ ᴏᴘᴘᴏsɪᴛᴇs ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛ ♡

This book was, in simplest terms, cathartic. I love an opposites attract, city girl / small town boy romance blossom under friendship first. It was endearing, light hearted, but edged with emotions and healing. I need to visit this part of Minnesota now 🥹

If you’re a fan of Abby Jimenez, please read this one! It was a sweet, closed door romance that encompasses real, raw struggles with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Check the trigger warnings if needed.

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝟬𝟱/𝟭𝟰
☆☆☆☆/𝟱

This was just the comfort romance read that I needed! Blair and Graham may be a new top favorite couple of mine, mainly because throughout this whole book they just continued to bring out the best in one another. Blair struggles with depression and intrusive self deprecating thoughts, while Graham puts Ruby Lodge and everyone else before himself, rarely taking a moment to relax. Together they find their happiness and joy.

This is a close door romance but the slow burn was very much still there that will leave you kicking your feet at all their firsts! 🥹

This was the first book I have read by Megan and I'm in love with her writing. She had me hooked from the beginning until the end. This story is well written and the characters were enjoyable.I thought this was such a heartwarming romance story with self discovery that was so refreshing! I loved watching the romance grow between Blair and Graham. I felt like their romance was so sweet and realistic. I loved all the detail about the island and made me feel like I was there with them. It made me want to get away from my everyday life. This was an absolutely beautiful story and I can't recommend this book enough!! I can't wait to read more.


Thank you NetGalley and Megan Reinking for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.